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Islam, Religious Violence, "Brainwashing," and Countersubversion

The hearing on Islamic radicalization staged by Rep. Peter King is an appalling example of the media being sucker-punched.

Where in the recent news coverage were interviews with social scientists who actually study how religious ideology can intersect with violence and terrorism? Let's start with some basics.

People do not become religious fundamentalists because they have been "brainwashed," coerced, or are mentally unstable. They become involved in social movement mobilization and recruitment built around themes of religious obligation.

Most religious fundamentalists are not violent.

There is no direct causal relationship linking religious fundamentalism and violence.